Elica is forging ahead with its strategic investments, despite facing current market challenges. The launch of Elica’s expanded product line, dubbed “Extraordinary Cooking,” has been well-received by the media. Yet, the overall market conditions remain tough, and this is reflected in Elica’s first-quarter sales figures: a turnover of 117 million euros marks an 8.5% decrease from the same period in 2023, albeit a 4% increase from the preceding quarter. Despite a 6.9% uptick in the US market, it does not offset the sales slump across Europe and beyond, in both volume and value.
The Cooking division saw a 6.2% downturn, impacting even the Own brands segment, which had previously shown robust performance. The Motors division fared even worse, with an 18% decline.
Price pressures have significantly eroded profit margins, with adjusted EBITDA plummeting by 40% compared to the first quarter of the previous year. The net income also took a hit, landing at 440 thousand euros, a steep fall from the 3.9 million euros recorded in the first quarter of 2023.
Nevertheless, Elica’s leadership remains undeterred, securing a 70 million euro loan to fuel future growth initiatives.
Category Archives: Domestic appliance news,
Material composition in SDA
Curious about the components of your small home appliances? The average material composition includes plastics, metals, and other materials. Understanding these components can help us recycle better and make more sustainable choices
Lawsuit accuses a gas stove manufacturer of failing to warn consumers about pollution risks
A consumer watchdog group is suing a manufacturer of gas stoves for allegedly failing to warn people that its appliances can produce harmful air pollution.
On Thursday, the United States Public Interest Research Group Education Fund sued a company called Haier U.S. Appliance Solutions in the District of Columbia Superior Court. It says the manufacturer is violating a consumer protection law in Washington, D.C., that prohibits “deceptive and unconscionable business practices.” Haier bought General Electric’s GE Appliances business in 2016.
The burners on gas stoves release pollutants including nitrogen dioxide, a key element in smog that can irritate airways and may contribute to the development of asthma, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Samsung F1rst 75 AI: the 75 cm combined refrigerator
Samsung Electronics has unveiled its latest innovation in Europe, the F1rst 75 AI refrigerator. This 75 cm Class A appliance is not only a marvel of refrigeration but also a smart energy manager thanks to its integration with SmartThings Energy. The centerpiece of this refrigerator is its newly designed high-efficiency Digital Inverter compressor. By expanding the radius of its rotating components, the inertia is boosted by a factor of 4.1 compared to conventional compressors. This enhancement means it can hold onto energy longer, leading to reduced consumption.
Moreover, the Digital Inverter compressor contributes to a quieter kitchen environment by lowering the decibel levels. A standout feature is the SmartThings AI Energy mode, which empowers users to track their energy usage patterns on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, and even predict their upcoming electricity bills. Should the usage exceed the forecast, this intelligent mode steps in to optimize energy savings.
To top it off, the SpaceMax technology ensures ample storage space. The refrigerator’s design features slim walls paired with effective insulation, maximizing interior capacity while keeping temperatures steady and consistent.
AEG 8000 Sense Boil & Fry innovative induction hob
The new AEG 8000 Sense Boil & Fry for your next kitchen design and you’ll be choosing an innovative induction hob that makes assisted cooking more effortless, featuring a CookSmart Touch Display and a range of functions that save energy and enhance the cooking experience.
✅ Boils water up to twice as fast and saves up to 18% energy*
✅ Sense Boil avoids boiling over, saving further energy
✅ Sense Fry avoids overheating the pan and means a perfect result, every time
✅ Assisted cooking function gives step-by-step guidance to expand cooking repertoire
✅ Eco-Tips automatically display to help save energy, without compromising on results
Fagor Electrodoméstico launches its range of ShineWash dishwashers
The Fagor Electrodoméstico brand presents ShineWash, “a new range of dishwashers designed to satisfy the most demanding needs.” With a focus on quality, efficiency and convenience, the new ShineWash dishwasher line includes 24 models with white and stainless steel finishes, in standard size and compact size (45 cm), capable of adapting to any type of kitchen.According to a study carried out by the firm, where dishwasher consumption habits have been analyzed, 30% of users have highlighted this point, the low consumption of this appliance, as the first consideration when choosing the model for their home; while 66% also place it among the first three reasons in terms of their purchase choice,” the company notes. In this sense, the new ShineWash range offers an improvement in consumption with class B models and with advanced functionalities that offer control of consumption and water over the washing cycles and greater time savings. With features such as TurboSpeed, users will be able to save up to 50% of wash cycle time without losing efficiency, or also opt for the 58-minute daily program. With energy class classifications from B to E, consumers can choose the model that best suits your consumer habits.
On the touch display of the ShineWash range dishwasher, Fagor Electrodoméstico incorporates the EcoBar indicator, so that users can control both the energy and water consumption of each washing cycle, allowing them to control each cycle and adjust it to their needs. “Depending on the circumstances in which we find ourselves, we sometimes prioritize a cleaning cycle that consumes little or, if we are in a hurry, we resort to programs that are shorter but consume more. In this sense we give control to the user so that in everything moment, optimize the washes according to the needs you have at that moment,” says Esther Rioboo, product director of the firm.
In addition to providing results in less time, the ShineWash range incorporates technologies that allow the user to better maintain the appliance, thus extending its useful life, another of the factors that users of the study carried out by Fagor Electrodoméstico pointed out as key when choosing their dishwasher. Designed for safe maintenance, consumers can trust that their dishwasher will deliver exceptional performance over time, thanks to its Self-Cleaning Reminder or Antibacterial Filter. In addition, the built-in premium features ensure thorough cleaning so that each wash cycle provides the best results.
The ShineWash dishwasher range includes both free-standing and integrated models, in standard (60 cm) and compact (45 cm) sizes designed to adapt to the needs of each home. From freestanding models that can be placed anywhere to integrated models that blend perfectly with the kitchen design, the brand is committed to a wide variety of options to choose from.
AGA ERA Red Dot Winner
AGA ERA has won the Red Dot award for product design, reaffirming its status as a design icon. The cooker combines technology and heritage, using glass extensively for a sleek, unified look.
The award is part of one of the world’s most prestigious design competitions and the Red Dot Label is one of the most sought-after marks of quality for good design across the globe.
Glass and chrome are used to create an entirely new feel for a heat-storage range cooker, and new techniques and the latest technology are employed to create all the external parts for a modern aesthetic.
AGA Technical Director David Carpenter said: “We believe ERA is the world’s first heat-storage range combining a highly efficient fan oven alongside two cast-iron heat-storage ovens, making it not only innovative but also technically challenging. The award is a recognition for the entire team that worked on the project who, employing innovation in design and state-of-the-art technology, created a truly unique range cooker.”
De’Longhi Reports First Quarter 2024 Earnings
Key Financial Results
Revenue: €658.8m (up 9.4% from 1Q 2023).
Net income: €51.3m (up 33% from 1Q 2023).
Profit margin: 7.8% (up from 6.4% in 1Q 2023). The increase in margin was driven by higher revenue.The persistent growth of the coffee business, as well as the recovery of the nutrition and food preparation category, led to an organic increase in turnover at constant currencies in the high single digits for the third consecutive quarter. The consistency of trends, combined with the one-month consolidation of the business combination between La Marzocco and Eversys, enabled the Group to increase turnover by about 10%”, commented CEO Fabio de’ Longhi.
Robot vacuum cleaners
Samsung Electronics’ all-in-one robot vacuum cleaner became successful, Chinese robot home appliance companies are on high alert and responding.
Following Samsung Electronics, Korean home appliance companies such as LG Electronics and Shinil Electronics began pouring out relatively inexpensive low-end products as they scrambled to launch an all-in-one robot vacuum cleaner. It is diversifying its products by taking advantage of wireless vacuum cleaners that it has not put much effort into.According to the home appliance industry on the 10th, Samsung Electronics’ first “Bespoke AI (Artificial Intelligence) Steam” robot vacuum cleaner has sold 10,000 units in a cumulative 25 days after its launch Consumers opened their wallets even though it was an expensive product with a factory price of 1.79 million won as a robot vacuum cleaner was able to inhale dust, clean a wet mop, automatically clean, and sterilize steam.
In the meantime, the domestic robot vacuum cleaner market , was dominated by Chinese companies such as Roborak, EcoVax, and Dreamy. While Samsung and LG Electronics worked hard on wireless vacuum cleaners, 1.8 million won worth of Chinese robot vacuum cleaners were sold like hot cakes.Samsung Electronics has recently made waves in the market with its integrated robot vacuum cleaner, which has significantly curtailed the rising popularity of robot vacuum cleaners from Chinese manufacturers.
Meanwhile, LG Electronics is gearing up to launch its own comprehensive vacuum cleaner within the first half of this year. Additionally, several local small and medium-sized enterprises, including Shinil Electronics and Kuku Homes, are also poised to introduce their versions of an all-encompassing robot vacuum cleaner.Chinese companies have faced unprecedented competition due to the participation of domestic companies. This is why they responded with a low-cost offensive by introducing new low-end products in a hurry
EcoVax’s recent meeting on the 7th showcased their commitment to expanding their product range with the introduction of four new products, including the ‘Divot T30 Pro Omni’. Priced at 1.39 million won, this model is positioned as a more affordable option compared to the premium ‘Divot X2 Pro Omni’, which is priced higher by about 500,000 won.
The ‘Divot T30 Pro Omni’ is part of EcoVax’s strategy to offer a diverse lineup catering to different market segments. The T-Series and N-Series represent their premium and entry-level offerings, respectively¹⁴¹⁵. The upcoming Y-series aims to provide an additional choice within the N-series-level price range, making smart cleaning technology more accessible.
EcoVax’s approach to the ‘Divot T30 Pro Omni’ focuses on delivering essential cleaning functions without the added cost of advanced features found in their higher-end models. This allows them to offer a competitive price point while still providing the quality and performance the brand is known for.
It’s a strategic move that not only broadens their product offerings but also caters to a wider audience by providing options that fit various budgets and cleaning needs.
Roborak is also expanding its Q series, which sells entry-level products. A case in point is the all-in-one robot vacuum cleaner “Roborak Q Revo,” which was introduced at a factory price of 1.29 million won in December last year.
The wireless vacuum cleaner product line, which has been on the back burner, is also being introduced or expanded.
Roborak recently introduced two types of wet-dry wireless vacuum cleaners called Flexi. Last month, Dreamy also released its first all-in-one wireless vacuum cleaner, “H12 Pro,” which allows vacuum cleaning and mop cleaning at the same time.
These products also apply the advantages of Chinese-made robot vacuum cleaners to wireless vacuum cleaners, solving dust inhalation and cleaning of wet cloths at once.Chinese companies have been all-in on robot vacuum cleaners, and domestic companies have been focusing on selling wireless vacuum cleaners,” an official from the home appliance industry said. “However, as Korean companies have recently entered the robot vacuum cleaner market, competition in the vacuum cleaner market will be hotter than ever for the time being, with China also looking to the domestic wireless vacuum cleaner
Matter 1.3 Update Sets Connectivity Standard for Kitchen and Laundry
With the release of the Matter 1.3 smart connectivity update, which Whirlpool Corporation has been a collaborator in developing, Matter’s footprint throughout the smart home is expanding. New major home appliances categories now supported by Matter, include microwaves, ovens, clothes dryers, vent hoods and cooktops. This update ensures consumers can find Matter-enabled appliances in every major kitchen and laundry category.
Home appliances that work with Matter will have the potential to simplify connected experiences, enable reliable connections, provide consumer choice in how to control a smart home, while maintaining privacy and security.
“Our work with Matter in the kitchen and laundry room has been focused on giving consumers the flexibility to create a smart home that seamlessly fits into their daily lives,” said Ryan Craig, Whirlpool Corporation’s director of global IoT strategy “We are excited to show the world how Matter-enabled home appliances will bring the future to your fingertips.”
Launched in October 2022, Matter is the language of the modern smart home, led by the Connectivity Standards Alliance and supported by hundreds of the world’s leading IoT and smart home companies. Products built on Matter will work with each other seamlessly and securely across platforms regardless of brand or manufacturer.
The addition of these home appliances and other device types into Matter 1.3 means that product manufacturers like Whirlpool Corporation can start to implement Matter into future designs now that the spec has been thoroughly tested and vetted.
As with all technology, it will take time for Matter-enabled devices to reach consumers’ homes – and Whirlpool Corporation looks forward to showing the world what a Matter-enabled smart home will look like.
